Betting Systems - The Role Of The Fan

In sports betting, handicappers often overlook one angle that is perhaps the most strongest in collegiate sports: the role of the fan. This article will delve into the topic of home court advantage and how strong it really is.

In general, basketball home court advantage can be measured by a 3-4 point swing for each arena. For example if two teams are identical in strength and ability, playing on a neutral court, there would be no clear favorite between both teams: the line would be a pick ‘em. But, if we were to place one of the teams at home, the home team would automatically be favored from 3 to 4 points. If we were to reverse this, home team now being the away team, the new home team would also be a 3 to 4 point favorite. In practice, if home team A is favored by 6 points against team B, and they were to have a home and home series, team B at home would be a slight underdog (pick ‘em to +1). This is based upon the 3-4 point home court advantage. This idea is actually stronger in college basketball, where the road team historically struggles.

In football the general rule of thumb is a field goal home field advantage.
Why does this occur? There are many explanations, but the best way to explain this fact is the role of the fan. Having support from the crowd pumps up players and distracts the opposing, visiting team. Playing in one’s home gym is also another reason—players feel more comfortable and at home when they play in their own backyard. Visiting players often are at odds with the crowd and become distracted. In football, play calling even becomes a chore when the crowd tries to drown out the quarterback’s play in between plays. Psychologically, the home team has an inherent advantage because of location and proximity to friends and family, whereas the visiting team has no such luxuries.
In closing, homecourt advantage cannot be down played or ignored. Small home underdogs across the major sports have shown to be very profitable bets in the long term.